Provision Living is currently being developed in West Bloomfield at the location of the former Ealy Elementary School, on Maple Road. The assisted living facility will open in late 2018. The project is one of a few development projects that began in 2017, a year with a marked increase in building permits approved by the township.

Photo by Deb Jacques

West Bloomfield sees increase in development, building permits

West Bloomfield Township’s Building Department reported that it approved 55 percent more building permits in 2017 than in 2016. Provision Living, a senior housing development, will be completed toward the end of this year.

Photo by Deb Jacques

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield Township Building Department’s biannual report to the township Board of Trustees shows an increase across the board in permits.

According to Building Department Director Bruce Eck, permit activity was up over 55 percent in the second half of 2017 compared to the same time in 2016. In the whole of 2017, the Building Department issued 3,709 permits. In 2016, that number was 2,386.

“Residents will be pleased by the construction of single-family homes and new businesses,” Township Supervisor Steve Kaplan said at a Jan. 22 township board meeting, when the biannual report was discussed.

In 2017, there were 21 single-family home building permits issued and no multifamily permits. There were four commercial permits issued.

“We had a very late winter this year, so it was warm weather, and also the economy throughout the year has gotten better, so more people want to invest in the area,” said Eck. “(West Bloomfield has) centers for hospitals and expressways close to us. Commercial development has been up and residential has been up.”

Eck said that customer service remains the department’s top priority with both residents and business owners.

“(The increase) shows that residents are interested in maintaining and remaining in West Bloomfield,” said Kaplan. “People are wanting to enhance their home and stay here.”

Last year, a few commercial projects moved into West Bloomfield. Westgate Shopping Center, located at 7100 Orchard Lake Road, opened and is now almost completely occupied, said Planning Director Amy Neary.

Current projects in the works include a Ferrari dealership and a Home Suites hotel. Residential projects include senior living homes and apartment buildings.

“We have a lot of activity in the township that’s pretty exciting,” said Neary. “We continue to hear about more opportunities that are coming in as well.”

In the biannual report, Development Services Department Director Marshall Labadie said that 2017 was characterized by sustained growth in development-related activities and that the department saw steady numbers throughout the year.

West Bloomfield officials said they have tried to make development easier for residents and commercial developers by partaking in a program called “One Stop Ready.” The program focuses on making the development process easy for developers.